Epidemiology that “counts” in vaccination choices:
the case of pertussis in newborns and infants

Key words

Pertussis, Infant, Maternal pertussis vaccination, Efficacy

Summary

From June to August 2018, 6 infants with pertussis aged between 1 and 9 months (4 were
3 months old, and the other two 1 month and 9 months old respectively) were admitted to
a General Paediatrics Operating Unit. Their hospitalization period lasted between 3 and
11 days (mean 7.2 days). Three infants required oxygen therapy. No complications occurred.
None of the mothers had been offered vaccination against pertussis during pregnancy.
The epidemiology of pertussis is changing in Italy as well as in other countries with high
vaccination coverage. The disease is now increasing as an incidence in adolescents (and
adults) who have lost their immune protection, and especially in new-born infants who have
not started or completed the primary vaccination course yet. The data from the European
Annual Epidemiological Report for 2016 report the highest notification rate in children <1
year (73.6 cases per 100,000 population), similar to that observed in 2015 (73.1). The
vaccination of pregnant women against pertussis is considered an effective and available
preventive option adopted for some years and in a systematic way in different international
contexts. Also in Italy, in the 2017-2019 National Vaccination Plan there is a recommendation
to recall in pregnancy the immunization from pertussis with the trivalent vaccine
(whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria). The period indicated is between the 27th and
the 36th week, ideally around the 28th week. The vaccine strategy for pertussis in pregnant
women is effective in reducing neonatal deaths due to the disease, the need for hospitalization
and the severity of the infection in infants under the age of 3 months. The vaccine
does not pose any risk for pregnant women and newborns. Pertussis prevention in newborns
and infants is an urgent measure of public health.

Unauthorised copies are strictly forbidden. The medical information contained in the present web site is only addressed to specialized medical staff and cannot substitute any medical action. For personal cases we invite to consult one's GP. The contents of the pages are subject to continuous verifications; anyhow mistakes and/or omissions are always possible. Medico e Bambino is not liable for the effects deriving from an improper use of the information.